PLEASE NOTE: We are reporting this information as it comes in. This will continue to be a developing story, and we will update as soon as we have more. As time goes by, more facts may come in, giving us a clearer view of the overall situation.
An unfortunate series of events has lead to the cancellation of the 2nd night of Freaknight. Sad to say there were some overdoses during the first night of the event. News of this event has let Seattle ravers down, to say the least. There are speculations about why it took the cancellation announcement such a long time to be announced, but there are no confirmations or statements to support any claims.
Dr Garrard of the Poison Control Center stated there could be an increase of overdoses during the bigger night of the festival. Apparently,there is a bad batch of “molly” going around that he feels is a significant reason for concern. CenturyLink has agreed and decided to have USC Events shut the festival down. Here is the statement from USC Events via facebook;
USC Events Statement on FreakNight 2014
On Nov. 1, news media reported that a Friday night attendee of the annual two-day FreakNight festival at the WaMu Theater died after being transported from the venue. USC Events became aware of this alleged incident just before 4 p.m. on Saturday. After discussing the situation with USC Events, First & Goal, Inc. decided to cancel the second night of theshow just before 6 p.m.
While we have no official information about this incident, USC Events is deeply affected by this news, and we offer our condolences to the families involved. The bond between USC Events and its fans is strong, and safety is the top priority at all of our events.USC Events has been a promoter of electronic dance music for more than 18 years. The Pioneer Square-based company has produced shows across Seattle and the Northwest, including 17 previous FreakNight events on Halloween.
Approximately 22,000 people were expected each night during this year’s event. Prior to the festival, USC Events promoted its health and safety program, “The Message,” through web and social media platforms. Created with input from local public health officials, The Message stressed personal responsibility and emphasized the state’s Good Samaritan law.
In addition, USC Events organized the “Conscious Crew” of volunteers to interact with patrons at the venue. Equipped with water and two-way radios, the Conscious Crew is tasked with ensuring patrons enjoy themselves safely.
Free water was provided throughout the venue.
During this year’s FreakNight, USC Events’ Health & Safety Director was on-site working with the venue to advise safety plans and follow best practices in crowd management.
We remain committed to promoting electronic dance music as a vibrant and vital artistic expression. We look forward to working with all interested parties to ascertain the facts about what transpired on Halloween and creating the safest possible environment for our patrons.
Refund information will be available on Monday.
This unfortunate incident has landed some in the hospital brings to light the need to reform the RAVE act,to inhibit preventing harm in the dance music scene. Read more about that here. If we had a policy that the Shambhala has adopted, these overdoses would be easily prevented and seriously decreased the amount of deaths that have come over the past few years. You can read more about those efforts here.
Also, due to Freaknight cancellations, the after party at Showbox Sodo has also been cancelled. This was updated via twitter.
Due to the FreakNight cancellation, afterparty at Showbox SoDo has also been cancelled. Refunds avail at point of purchase. #FreakNight2014
— The Showbox (@ShowboxPresents) November 2, 2014
For those of you looking to go out and enjoy some EDM tonight, TyDi will be at Voume Nightclub.
We will keep you updated as this story continues to develop.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
